Highlights

• HP Pavilion Plus 16 features a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU.
• Boasts a 16-inch IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and WQXGA resolution.
• Equipped with a 68Wh battery, offering around 5 hours of usage.
• Includes a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad and adjustable backlit keys.

The HP Pavilion Plus 16 (2023) enters the competitive 16-inch laptop market with a promise of balancing work and play in a sleek package.

Priced at Rs 1,39,999, its subtle but eye-catching design is a blend of power and elegance.

On paper the machine packs in a host of features aimed at both productivity and entertainment.

But does it deliver on all fronts, or are there compromises hidden beneath its polished exterior?

Let’s dive into the details in this detailed review of the HP Pavilion Plus 16.

HP Pavilion Plus 16: Key Specs

• Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i7
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
• Display: 16-inch IPS, 120Hz, WQXGA
• RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Battery: 68Wh, 5-hour usage
• Weight: 1.8 kgs

HP Pavilion Plus 16: Pros and Cons

HP Pavilion Plus 16: Design and I/O

The HP Pavilion Plus 16 combines a strong work ethic with the ability to play hard, wrapped in a design that’s both subtly charming and sharply crafted.

Despite its seemingly bulky appearance, the laptop is surprisingly manageable, weighing around 1.8 kgs.

Can’t say that for a lot of 16-inch machines.

This weight adds a sense of sturdiness, yet doesn’t compromise on portability.

Apart from this, its premium feel is enhanced by the silver-coloured, all-metal chassis, exuding a subtle charm complemented by sharp design elements.

Eschewing the typical flashy RGB features often found in modern gaming laptops, the Pavilion Plus 16 adopts a more refined aesthetic.

It boasts a sleek matte finish, except for the glossy HP logo, which adds a tasteful touch.

One can easily mistake the laptop for office usage but I can assure you it packs in as much of a punch as a flashy and graphically more adept machine on the market.

The HP Pavilion Plus 16 (2023) offers a balanced mix of connectivity options, blending modern and traditional ports.

On the left, there’s a USB-A port with a 10Gbps signaling rate and a headphone/mic combo jack. The right side features an AC smart power connector.

For advanced connections, it includes a Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port supporting DisplayPort 1.4, USB Power Delivery, and a rapid 40Gbps signaling rate, ideal for high-refresh-rate monitors.

Additionally, there’s another USB-C port with 10Gbps signaling and DisplayPort 1.4, two USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio port.

There is no SD Card slot and for wireless needs, the laptop supports the latest WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity.

HP Pavilion Plus 16: Display, Keyboard, and Trackpad

In the realm of 16-inch laptops, the display of the HP Pavilion Plus 16 (2023) showcases both strengths and weaknesses.

Its peak brightness reaches 400nits, ensuring good visibility under various lighting conditions indoors.

However, this falls short when taking the machine outdoors.

My test model featured an IPS display with WQXGA resolution (2560×1600), a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a high 120Hz refresh rate, topped with an anti-glare coating.

Visually the panel will give you no complaints although I do feel that the anti-glare coating can mute colours slightly.

While the HP Pavilion 16 Plus may not be best suited for creative work like photo editing it does promise a satisfying movie-watching experience, balancing high performance with functional design.

The laptop has a thoughtfully designed full-size keyboard, complete with a numeric keypad, which enhances its functionality for office work and everyday use.

I found that the keyboard layout is generously spaced, minimizing the risk of mistyping and proving beneficial during extended typing sessions by ensuring both comfort and accuracy.

For added convenience, the function keys are easily accessible, with some featuring small LEDs for mute, microphone, and power, offering clear visual feedback.

The backlit keys, adjustable in brightness, facilitate use in low-light conditions, although the clickiness of the spacebar might be a minor distraction for some users.

Complementing the keyboard is a large trackpad, although its placement may not appeal to everyone.

It is positioned slightly towards the left, resulting in uneven space for palm resting, which could affect comfort during use.

Additionally, the trackpad offers firmer feedback than some might prefer, a characteristic that may not align with everyone’s preferences.

HP Pavilion Plus 16: Performance

The HP Pavilion Plus 16 stands out for its commendable performance-to-price ratio, particularly when juxtaposed with higher-priced models.

The review unit I received from HP was equipped with a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, complemented by 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM configured in a dual-channel setup (2x8GB) at a speed of 5600 MTs, and a substantial 1TB SSD for storage.

It also features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, contributing to its robust performance. Benchmark tests reveal performance levels that align with expectations for this chipset.

In practical use, the laptop functioned smoothly even when operating in boost mode with a high refresh rate.

I encountered some minor glitches in some apps that were not native to Windows, but nothing significant.

The SSD and RAM both deliver strong performance, aligning with what one would anticipate for a laptop in this price range.

HP Pavilion Plus 16: Features and Battery Life

In terms of additional features, the HP Pavilion Plus 16 is equipped with B&O-powered speakers, which, while decent, could benefit from being louder.

The laptop lacks fingerprint authentication but compensates with efficient facial recognition via Windows Hello, providing a reliable alternative for security.

The webcam is also noteworthy, delivering adequate quality for video conferencing on platforms like Zoom or Google Meet.

In my testing, the laptop’s battery life is less impressive than its performance.

It comes with a 68Wh battery, a choice seemingly made by HP to maintain a lighter weight for the laptop.

I’m not a fan of this decision as it leads to only average battery performance.

Given that the device isn’t particularly thin or light, it’s likely to be used primarily at a desk, but a larger battery would have significantly enhanced its versatility and appeal.

In terms of battery endurance, the laptop offers about 5 hours of usage in boost mode, which is just about average.

The charging process is relatively slow, even with the included 135W charger, taking approximately two hours to fully charge from zero.

A 30-minute charge provides about 30 percent of the battery, which indicated to me that the battery performance is an afterthought on the laptop.

HP Pavilion Plus 16: Final Verdict

The HP Pavilion Plus 16 (2023) mostly hits the mark as a versatile laptop that caters to both work and leisure needs.

Its robust performance, courtesy of the Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 3050 GPU stands out, especially at its price point.

The full-size keyboard and ample connectivity options add to its practicality, making it a suitable choice for everyday use and moderate gaming.

However, the device isn’t without its drawbacks.

The battery life is below average, and the charging speed doesn’t impress. Also, the trackpad placement and the anti-glare screen coating might not appeal to everyone.

Overall, while it may not be the best fit for users seeking exceptional battery life or creative professionals needing the most vibrant display, the HP Pavilion Plus 16 (2023) offers a solid combination of performance and functionality for its price, making it a worthy contender in its segment.

5 Reasons to Buy HP Pavilion Plus 16

• Robust Performance: The combination of a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 3050 GPU ensures high-speed performance for work and gaming.
• High-Quality Display: A 16-inch IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a smooth and visually appealing experience.
• Ample Storage: With 1TB SSD storage, there’s plenty of space for software, games, and files.
• Comfortable Typing Experience: The full-size backlit keyboard with a numeric keypad enhances productivity and ease of use.
• Sturdy Build: The laptop’s durable metal chassis provides a premium feel and longevity.

3 Reasons Not to Buy HP Pavilion Plus 16

• Subpar Battery Life: Only about 5 hours of usage, limiting mobility and convenience for users on the go.
• Charging Inefficiency: Slow charging time could be a hindrance for users needing quick power-ups.
• Display and Audio Limitations: The anti-glare coating may mute colors, and the audio output isn’t as impressive as expected from a premium laptop.

FAQs

What is the design and build quality of the HP Pavilion Plus 16 (2023)?

The HP Pavilion Plus 16 (2023) presents a sleek and sturdy design with an all-metal chassis, weighing around 1.8 kg. It adopts a refined aesthetic with a matte finish and minimal flashy features, suitable for both professional and gaming use.

How does the HP Pavilion Plus 16 perform in daily use and gaming?

Powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, the HP Pavilion Plus 16 (2023) delivers robust performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. It handles multitasking smoothly, thanks to its 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB SSD.

What are the display features of the HP Pavilion Plus 16 (2023)?

The laptop features a 16-inch IPS display with WQXGA resolution and a high 120Hz refresh rate.

The anti-glare coating provides comfortable viewing, although it may slightly affect color vibrancy. The display is suitable for various multimedia applications but may not be ideal for outdoor use.

What are the limitations of the HP Pavilion Plus 16 (2023)?

The HP Pavilion Plus 16 (2023) has a few drawbacks, including its average battery life and slow charging.

The trackpad’s left-sided placement and the anti-glare screen coating might not suit all users. Additionally, the audio output could be louder for an enhanced multimedia experience.

What processors are available for the HP Pavilion Plus series?

The Pavilion Plus 14 offers both 13th-gen Intel Core and AMD Ryzen 7 options, while the Pavilion Plus 16 runs on the 13th-gen Intel Core i7-13700H.

Are the new HP Pavilion laptops eco-friendly?

Yes, both the Pavilion Plus 14 and 16 are made from recycled metals, reflecting HP’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Where can I buy the new HP Pavilion Plus laptops?

The laptops are available for purchase on HP’s official website, HP.com.

What are the colour options for the new Pavilion Plus series?

The Pavilion Plus 14 is available in Moonlight Blue and Natural Silver, whereas the Pavilion Plus 16 comes in Warm Gold and Natural Silver.

Also Read: HP Pavilion Plus 14 and 16 Launched in India With Next-Gen AMD and Intel Processors

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